I feel quite conflicted about this. On the one hand, I can't immediately think of anyone I'd rather see at the helm (I'm a fan of Campbell, but I do think the age thing is a factor), and I do want the LDs to stay in the game. Also, in principle I think that admitting a psychological illness is a brave thing to do and this should be supported and encouraged rather than condemned.
I've also got some problems, though. Firstly, it seems that he has lied to his party members and they can no longer trust him, and I can see that this might make it hard for the LDs to function.
More importantly, though, I think that it is incredibly difficult to be a recovering alcoholic and a politician. Recovery from alcoholism is about giving up control and accepting what happens rather than needing to impose your will on the world. It's about coming to terms with your own faults and making amends, and it requires a deep level of personal responsibility and honesty with self and others. It's about taking life one day at a time and not needing to know or control the future. I can't imagine being able to do this and play any kind of political role, never mind as party leader.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2006-01-06 05:36 pm (UTC)I've also got some problems, though. Firstly, it seems that he has lied to his party members and they can no longer trust him, and I can see that this might make it hard for the LDs to function.
More importantly, though, I think that it is incredibly difficult to be a recovering alcoholic and a politician. Recovery from alcoholism is about giving up control and accepting what happens rather than needing to impose your will on the world. It's about coming to terms with your own faults and making amends, and it requires a deep level of personal responsibility and honesty with self and others. It's about taking life one day at a time and not needing to know or control the future. I can't imagine being able to do this and play any kind of political role, never mind as party leader.